Workaholics not anonymous

Britain is a nation of workaholics with unpaid overtime common practice in offices across the country, according to a new report. A third of overtime is never paid, but four out of 10 workers say they are happy in their jobs, it was found.

A survey for Abbey National of 1,000 workers showed that almost one in four put in extra time every day and half said they regularly took work home. Almost as many worked at weekends, with young high flyers the most willing to put in extra hours without pay. But Abbey National said there was little evidence that working long hours would lead to greater success.

Retail Marketing Director Gary Hockey-Morley said managers should encourage staff to leave on time. 'It should not be a rarity for staff to leave at their contracted hour. There is nothing worse than an employee who just sits at their desk until late just to be seen sitting at their desk until late.'

He said he was 'amazed' to find so many people putting in so much unpaid work, warning that pressure to balance work and home lives was taking a toll on families.

Workers in the Midlands were happiest in their job, followed by Northerners and those living in the South West.